Get Reading Festival: Top lit talent in Trafalgar Square

 

Bookworms of all ages will be swarming to WC1 this Saturday for a day of readings and theatrical performances, with some of the UK’s favourite authors, playwrights and actors. Many will also be meeting fans on the day to sign some of their best-loved works, so bring along your own copies for an autograph. Here’s who’s appearing…

Akala

The Mobo-winning Camden hip-hop powerhouse (left), with collaborators as diverse as Sir Ian McKellen and his sister Ms Dynamite, will perform his rap take on Shakespeare’s Richard II.

Billy Elliot The Musical

A live extract from the box-office busting musical stage adaptation of the film, which has bagged an impressive four Olivier awards.

Malorie Blackman

The new children’s laureate and Reading Agency ambassador will be reading from and signing Noughts & Crosses. She’ll also be signing her new work, Noble Conflict.

Nicholas Briggs

The voice of the Daleks and the Cybermen in Doctor Who will be reading from The Dalek Generation.

Babette Cole

The children’s writer and illustrator will be reading from and signing The Enchanted Pony.

Lily Cole

Popular model, as seen in St Trinian’s.

Steve Cole

This kids sci-fi author of Magic Ink, which he’ll be signing on Saturday. Cole will also be reading his story Jack and the Meanstalk.

Niamh Cusack

The Irish actress will be reading from Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. She currently stars in the National Theatre stage adaptation.

Warwick Davis

The beloved actor has appeared in the Star Wars, Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia series, as well as Ricky Gervais’s Life’s Too Short.

Dick and Dom

The double Bafta-winning TV presenters will be hosting the event and inviting the audience to take part in games and competitions.

Rupert Everett

The much-loved stage and screen actor will be reading one of Oscar Wilde’s Fairy Tales.

Anne Fine

The former children’s laureate will be reading from and signing her acclaimed novel Ivan the Terrible.

Sally Gardner

Reading from and signing Maggot Moon.

Hugh Grant

Award-winning actor of Four Weddings fame.

David Harewood

The versatile Homeland star will be reading from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Anthony Horowitz

The Alex Rider writer will be reading a poem he’s created for Get Reading – A Cautionary Tale Concerning Three Brothers Who Did Not Read.

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain

An energetic and educational live performance.

Kathy Lette

Bestselling author of Mad Cows.

Marianne Levy

Reading from and signing her Ellie May books.

Matilda The Musical

Melanie La Barrie, part of the West End cast, will be reading from Roald Dahl’s original.

Peppa Pig

The much-loved porcine star will be reading.

Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell

Will be reading and signing their fantasy epic Wyrmeweald: Returner’s Wealth.

Jonathan Stroud

Will be reading from and signing the fantasy novel The Amulet of Samarkand.

Sylvia Young Theatre School

Performing a medley from Little Shop of Horrors.

Russell Tovey

The star of Being Human, Him & Her and The History Boys will be reading from Horrid Henry.

Samuel West

The acclaimed actor and stage director will be reading from Norton Juster’s classic adventure The Phantom Tollbooth.

Barbara Windsor & Evgeny Lebedev

The beloved EastEnders and Carry On star is also a Tony-nominated stage actor. Evgeny Lebedev is the owner of the Evening Standard and The Independent newspapers.

War Horse

A reading from Michael Morpurgo’s novel, plus an appearance from beloved equine star Joey.

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt

Live performance of the stage adaptation of Michael Rosen’s bestselling picture book.

Wicked

The Wizard and I will be performed live.

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